Liquid atomizing method and apparatus

ABSTRACT

A liquid atomizing method and apparatus including a conduit member having an annular ring eccentrically mounted thereon such that a radial port in the ring is aligned with a radial aperture in the conduit member. A thin flexible orifice ribbon is intercalated between the ring and the conduit member. In one embodiment of the invention, a vibratory device is rigidly mounted upon the exterior surface of the conduit member and functions to induce the formation of uniform droplets within fluid flowing through apertures in the orifice ribbon. In another embodiment of the invention an elongate flexible orifice ribbon, having a plurality of spaced orifice zones, may be mounted upon an advancement mechanism to facilitate maintenance of a clean unobstructed set of apertures in communication with the conduit port. The atomizing apparatus is readily serviceable without special tools.

United States Patent [191 Pearce et a1.

[4 1 Nov. 4, 1975 LIQUID ATOMIZING METHOD AND APPARATUS [73] Assignee:Cotton Incorporated, New York,

[22] Filed: Aug. 8, 1974 [21] Appl. No.: 495,925

[52] US. Cl. 239/4; 239/102; 239/159; 239/551; 239/596 [51] Int. Cl.B05B 17/06 [58] Field of Search 239/4, 102, 159, 551, 596, 239/101, 163,164, 600, 601

[5 6] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,361,352 l/1968 Harris239/4 3,474,967 10/1969 Bodine 239/4 X Primary ExaminerM. Henson Wood,Jr.

Assistant Examiner-Michael Mar Attorney, Agent, or Firm--Burns, Doane,Swecker & Mathis [57] ABSTRACT A liquid atomizing method and apparatusincluding a conduit member having an annular ring eccentrically mountedthereon such that a radial port in the ring is aligned with a radialaperture in the conduit member. A thin flexible orifice ribbon isintercalated between the ring and the conduit member. In one embodimentof the invention, a vibratory device is rigidly mounted upon theexterior surface of the conduit member and functions to induce theformation of uniform droplets within fluid flowing through apertures inthe orifice ribbon. In another embodiment of the invention an elongateflexible orifice ribbon, having a plurality of spaced orifice zones, maybe mounted upon an advancement mechanism to facilitate maintenance of aclean unobstructed set of apertures in communication with the conduitport. The atomizing apparatus is readily serviceable without specialtools.

15 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures US. Patent Nov. 4, 1975 Sheet 1 of 2 U.S.Patent Nov.4,1975 Sheet2of2 3,917,167

LIQUID ATOMIZING METHOD AND APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION tancein several branches of engineering including the chemical industry foroperations involving drying, evaporating and absorption, the coatingindustry wherein paint is applied by a spraying technique, theagriculture industry for crop stimulation and protection, etc. Atomizingof a liquid is typically accomplished by forcing the fluid underpressurethrough a nozzle into the atmosphere where the liquid contractsinto droplets.

Nozzle designs may often assume the configuration of a cylindricalnozzle body which is covered at one end by a transversely extendingorifice plate or disc. The disc is typically releasably affixed to theend of the nozzle body by a conventional threaded ring connector. Anillustration of such a nozzle configuration is disclosed, inter alia, inUnited States Vehe et al. US. Pat. No. 3,679,137 issued July 25, 1972and assigned to the assignee of the subject application. The disclosureof this Vehe et al patent is hereby incorporated by reference as thoughset forth at length.

' While nozzle configurations, such as disclosed in the Vehe et al.patent, have been utilized with at least a degree of acceptance in thepast, room for significant improvement remains.

More particularly, conventional nozzle orifice discs are oftenfabricated from somewhat thick brass sheet stock for considerations ofstrength and corrosion resistance. Apertures within the disc are oftenaccurately bored with a diameter of a few hundredths inch or less.Accordingly, conventional nozzle orifice discs are somewhat expensive tomanufacture.

Moreover, in many instances a fan spray pattern is desired. Such a spraypattern may be effected by forming a circular nozzle disc with a discshape configuration and boring one or more rows of radially extendingapertures through the disc-shaped disc. Accurately boring radialapertures merely heightens the previously noted manufacturing intricacyand expense.

During an atomizing operation, fines suspended within the liquid mediumbeing dispensed tend to clog the aperture or apertures in the disc.Operational clogis paraquat, which is a generic name for a 1,1-dimethyl-4-4'-bipyridinium salt. Paraquat is a yellow solid herbicidewhich is soluble in water and is highly toxic by skin absorption.

An associated difficulty may be occasioned if it is desired to alter aspray flow pattern. In this regard, the system is again typically shutdown and the orifice disc is replaced with one having a more appropriateaperture pattern. In making such a changeover, operator contaminationmay again present a difficulty as outlined above.

Another significant concern in atomizing operations is the tendency ofatomized fluids to contract into droplets of variant sizes. As anexample, conventional spray nozzles which would be designed to producedroplets having a mean diameter of 150 microns will also typicallygenerate droplets ranging in size from 1 or 2 microns up to 300 or 400microns in diameter. While the foregoing range in droplet sizes may beacceptable in some applications, in many instances finer control ofdroplet size'during atomization would be highly desirable.

In this latter connection in large scale agriculture, it has been foundin dispensing herbicides and pesticides that fine droplet sizes tend tobe blown or drift away from a desired zone of application while verylarge ging dictates on the job/in the field shutdowns for servicing. Inthis regard an operator would typically release pressure from the fluidbeing dispensed and remove the threaded attachment collar to free teorifice disc for manual inspection and cleaning. It will be appreciatedby those skilled in the art that during the foregoing procedure liquidwithin the nozzle body will in all likelihood spew onto the hands andforearms of the operator. In some instances, this occurence is merelyobjectionable and disconcerting. In other instances, it becomesmandatory that an operators hands are properly isolated from directcontact with the liquid being atomized. Examples of such liquids wouldinclude vehicles carrying indelible pigments or an agricultural controlfluid which is highly toxic by inhalation and/or skin absorption. Aspecific example of the latter droplet sizes tend to coalesce and dripfrom leaf surfaces without producing a desired biological action. In asimilar vein in the spray painting industry, very fine droplets tend tobe drawn into an overhead exhaust system while very large droplets tendto form undesirable globules upon a coated surface.

In the past, at least one device has been found to provide significantpotential with respect to controlling droplet size during an atomizationprocess. In this connection, attention is re-invited to the previouslyidentified Vehe et al patent. In this Vehe et al. patent, a jet streamvibratory atomizing device is disclosed wherein a magnetostrictive shaftis mounted within the interior of a nozzle body and functions to inducevibrations within a liquid dispensed through an orifice plate to break aliquid into uniform droplet sizes downstream of the orifice plate. 7

While the Vehe et al structure offers considerable potential withrespect to accurately dispensing a liquid, room for significantimprovement remains.

It has been found that placement of a magnetostrictive vibratory shaftwithin the interior of a nozzle body represents at least a potentialsealing problem as well as providing an obstruction to the flow of fluidthrough the nozzle body. Additionally, it would be desirable to enhancedroplet size formation and/or to minimize energy input while maintainingacceptably accurate droplet control.

The problems suggested in the preceding are not intended to be exclusivebut rather are among many which may tend to reduce the effectiveness ofprior art atomizing assemblies. Other noteworthy difficulties may alsoexist; however, those presented above should be sufficient todemonstrate that atomizing methods and apparatus appearing in the priorart have not been altogether completely satisfactory.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION OBJECTS AND provide a novel atomizing orspraying method and apparatus which obviates or minimizes problems ofthe type previously described.

It is a more particular object of the invention to provide a novelatomizing method and apparatus which facilitates servicing of the unitin an on the job/in the field environment.

It is a related object of the invention to provide a novel atomizingmethod and apparatus wherein servicing may be readily accomplishedwithout requiring an operator to become contaminated with the liquidbeing dispensed through the assembly.

It is another object of the invention to provide a novel atomizingmethod and apparatus which facilitates adjustments to produce variousfluid spray patterns.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a novel atomizingmethod and apparatus which may be readily cleaned in the field.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a novel atomizingmethod and apparatus which enhances the formation of uniform dropletsizes during an atomizing operation.

It is still a further object of the invention to provide a novel uniformdroplet atomizing method and apparatus wherein a central liquid flowpath through the apparatus is maintained in a substantially unobstructedcondition to facilitate flow through the apparatus.

It is yet a further object of the invention to provide a novel uniformdroplet atomizing method and apparatus which will maintain theadvantageous characteristic of droplet size control while minimizing thepower requirements necessary to accomplish the task.

It is yet still a further object of the invention to provide a uniformdroplet atomizing method and apparatus which will be highly rugged yetconcomitantly facilely and economically manufacturable.

Brief Summary A novel apparatus, according to a preferred embodiment ofthe invention, which is intended to accomplish at least some of theforegoing objects, includes a conduit having one end closed and theother end thereof in communication with fluid under pressure. A radialaperture is fashioned through the conduit generally at the closed endthereof. A vibratory device, such as a magnetostrictive apparatus, isrigidly connected to the exterior surface of the conduit for impartinghigh frequency oscillations to the conduit. A ring having a diametergreater than the diameter of the conduit is positioned about the conduitat the closed end thereof and is provided with a radial port operablyalignable and dimensionally compatible with the radial aperture in theconduit. A thin, normally flat, flexible ribbon, having a plurality oforifices fashioned therethrough, is releasably intercalated between theexterior surface of the conduit and the interior surface of the ring ina posture extending across the radial aperture and port thereof,respectively. The ring is attached to the conduit such that edgeportions of the orifice ribbon are secured between the interior surfaceof the ring and the exterior surface of the conduit. Oscillations fromthe vibratory unit are imparted through the conduit to the orificeribbon which interacts with liquid flowing through the apertures tosubdivide the liquid into fine uniformly sized droplets downstream ofthe orifice ribbon.

A method according to a preferred embodiment of the invention foratomizing a liquid stream into a multiplicity of liquid dropletsincludes the steps of fitting a thin, normally flat, flexible orificeribbon across a radial aperture fashioned within a conduit which is incommunication with a fluid to be dispensed under pressure. A ring havinga diameter greater than the diameter of the conduit is fitted about theclosed end of the conduit. The ring is provided with a radial port suchf that it may be operably aligned with the radial aperture extendingthrough the conduit. The next step entails releasably securing the ringto the conduit wherein edge portions of the orifice ribbon are securedbetween the interior surface of the ring and the exterior surface of theconduit. When it is desired to produce liquid droplets of uniform size,the conduit is vibrated by a vibratory mechanism rigidly connected tothe exterior surface thereof to impart oscillations in the fluid flowingthrough the conduit which is turn induces the liquid I to divide intouniform droplet sizes downstream of the orifice ribbon.

I BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and many other objects andadvantages of the. invention will become apparent to one skilled in theart when the appended claims are read in conjunction with. the detaileddescription of the invention and the illustrative drawings appendedhereto.

Like reference numerals have been applied to like parts in the drawingswhere:

FIG. 1 is an axonometric view of a tractor and boom spray assemblyutilizing nozzles designed in accord with the subject invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational detail view of a nozzle assembly accordingto a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the nozzle assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the nozzle head assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an end view of the nozzle assembly of FIG. 2 as viewed alongline 55 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is an end view of an alternate embodiment of the nozzle headassembly of FIGS. 2-5; and

FIG. 7 is an end view of yet another embodiment of the nozzle headassembly of FIGS. 2-5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION Contextof the Invention Prior to discussing in detail preferred embodiments ofthe subject atomizing method and apparatus, it may be useful to brieflynote at least one operative context where the invention finds particularutility.

Depicted in FIG. 1 is a typical agricultural type trac- I rearwardly atregular intervals spaced longitudinally along the pipe 15. Preferablythe branch conduits 16. are coplanar and generally perpendicular to alongitu-' dinal axis of the pipe 15. Each branch conduit conveys liquidfrom the pipe to a nozzle assembly 18 at the terminal end of the branchconduit where the liquid is atomized.

Nozzle Assembly Referring now specifically to FIGS. 2-5, the nozzleassembly 18 is shown in greater detail and includes a conduit member 20suitably connected, such as by threaded connector 22, to the terminalend of the branch conduit 16. The conduit member 20 may comprise a shortlength of pipe having a diameter similar to that of the branch conduit16.

The conduit member 20 carries a generally U-shaped exciter guard 24having two arms 26, 28 and a clamp 30. The conduit 20 is receivedthrough suitable openings in the arms 26, 28 and is rigidly yetreleasably engaged by the clamp 30. The exciter guard 24 is securelyconnected and positioned with respect to the conduit member 20 byconnection with the clamp 30.

The clamp 30 includes a pair of legs 31 and a transverse bolt 32 whichis tightened to draw the legs 31 together for engagement with theconduit member 30 (see FIG. 3). The bolt 32, or other suitablereleasable connection means, facilitates orientation of the clamp 30 andthe U-shaped bracket 24 with respect to the conduit member 20.

Returning to FIG. 2, the clamp 30 receives one end of a magnetostrictiveexciting member 34 which is electrically connected by means ofelectrical conductors 36 to a suitable source of high frequencyelectrical current carried by the tractor 10.

Remote from the threaded connector 22, the conduit 20 is provided withan externally threaded end which receives an internally threaded end ofa nozzle body 38. As best illustrated by FIG. 4, the nozzle body 28includes a generally hexagonal portion 40 and a generally cylindricalportion 42. The hexagonal portion 40 facilitates connection andpositioning of the nozzle body 38 with respect to the conduit 20.

The cylindrical portion 42 includes a flat area 44 and a radial bore 46which perpendicularly intersects a blind longitudinal bore 47 of thenozzle body 38. The radial bore 46 and the flat area 44 are preferablydiametrically opposed. Ideally, the radial bore 46 and the longitudinalbore 47 have the same total flow area to minimize restriction of fluidflowing therethrough. In addition, nozzle body 38 should be arranged onthe conduit member 20 such that the radial bore 46 is perpendicular tothe longitudinal axis of the magnetostrictive device 34.

With reference now to FIG. 5, a generally annular ring member 48 isillustrated in an eccentric posture with respect to the cylindricalportion 42 of the nozzle body 38. In FIG. 4 the annular ring 48 isillustrated as having a threaded radial bore 50 and a generallyrectangular radial arcuate opening 52 diametrically opposed to thethreaded bore 50. The radial opening preferably has an included angle of60 to 80 measured from the axis of the annular ring 48. The radialopening 52 is generally radially alignable with the radial bore 46 ofthe nozzle body 38 when the annular ring 48 is operably mounted upon thenozzle body 38.

To secure the annular ring 48 to the cylindrical portion 42 a wing bolt54 is provided. The wing bolt 54 preferably includes a generally flatend 56 which abuts against the flat area 44 of the cylindrical portion42 when the annular ring 48 is properly positioned with respect to thenozzle body 38.

Also illustrated in FIG. 4 is a thin normally flat, flexible orificeribbon 58, or band, which includes two generally parallel rows ofuniformly-sized apertures 60. The orifice ribbon 58 is preferablyfabricated from a thin, flat, flexible resilient material whichfacilitates its manufacture and allows it to conform with the arcuatesurface of cylindrical portion 42. An example of at least one suchmaterial is relatively thin stainless steel.

The orifice plate 58 is positioned within the annular ring 48 such thatthe longitudinal edges 62 of the orifice plate 58 are generally parallelwith the circumferentially oriented edges of the radial opening 52.Accordingly, when the wing bolt 54 is tightened into engagement with theflat area 44 of the nozzle body 38, the orifice plate 58 is securelyheld in engagement between the cylindrical portion 42 of the nozzle body38 and the internal surface 64 of the annular ring 48.

With the orifice plate 58 properly positioned in the nozzle assembly 18,FIG. 3 illustrates the nozzle assembly 18 in a configuration ready foruse.

In order to obtain a better fluid seal between the annular ring 48, thenozzle plate 58, and the cylindrical portion 42, the internal ringsurface 64 may be undercut as most clearly illustrated by FIG. 4. Thesurface curvature of the undercut portion 66 preferably conforms to thecurvature of the nozzle body cylindrical portion 42. Altematively, thecylindrical portion 42 may be fashioned with a radius of curvature,about the aperture 46, equal to the radius of curvature of the ring 48.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that it may beadvantageous to provide a recess along the internal ring surface 64 toaccommodate the orifice ribbon 58. Such a recess would necessarily havea width slightly greater than the lateral width of orifice ribbon 58 andwould have a depth which is slightly less than the thickness of ribbon58.

Turning now to FIG. 6, an alternate embodiment of the atomizingnozzle isdisclosed. More specifically, the annular ring 48 is provided with arecessed area 68 along a substantial portion of the interior surface 64.The orifice ribbon 70 is extended and provided with three separateorifice zones 70a, 70b, and 70c, each of which may be selectivelypositioned between the radial bore 46 and the radial opening 52 of theannular ring 48. Each of the separate orifice zones includes orificeshaving a uniform diameter. However, the diameter of the orifice inadjacent orifice zones 70a, 70b, and 70c may be the same or different asdesired.

In order to secure the separate ribbon zones in an operative position,the ring 48 is also fashioned with alternate internally threaded bores50a and 50b for receiving wing nut 54.

The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 permits a rapid change of theorifice size and/or flow pattern when such a change is desirable.Moreover, if all orifices of the adjacent zones 70a, 70b, and 70c areidentical, the embodiment may provide a rapid substitute to cleaning anorifice zone by merely shifting the ring 48.

Depicted in FIG. 7 is yet another embodiment which illustrates anothervariant of an orifice ribbon positioned between the nozzle body 38 andthe annular ring 48. More specifically, a thin, flexible orifice ribbon72 may be carried in a supply cartridge 74 and wound onto a takeupcartridge 76. The takeup cartridge 76 may be provided, for example, withan advancing lever 78 which is operable with a ratchet action in thedirection illustrated by the arrow 80 to selectively advance the orificeribbon 72.

The orifice ribbon 72 may also be provided with a, plurality of orificezones such as those illustrated in FIG. 6. With the embodiment of FIG.7, however, it is anticipated that all orifices will be of the samediameter.

When it is desired to advance the orifice band 72 to expose the neworifice zone of the orifice band 72, the wing bolt 54 is slightlywithdrawn to increase clearance between the nozzle body 38 and theannular ring 48. Then, the advancing lever 78 is rotated in thedirection of the arrow 80 to position and index a new orifice zone inalignment between the radial opening 52 and the radial bore 46.

Returning to FIG. 1, the spray boom 14 is also illustrated with analternate excitation arrangement comprising a magnetostrictive excitingassembly 82, similar to that discussed above. The exciting assembly 82,however, is connected directly to pipe 15 in order to inducelongitudinal vibrations therein. This single unit is operably sufficientto serve all the branch conduits on at least half of the boom. With thisembodiment, however, it may be desirable to use a longer magnetostrictive element than element 34.

By arranging the radial bore of nozzle assemblies 18 as noted above,excitation with the embodiment is still accomplished perpendicular tothe flow of liquid through the nozzle apertures.

Operation In operation, a suitable fluid is conveyed from tank 12through pipe 15, branch conduits l6, and conduit members 20 to thegenerally cylindrical bore 48 of each nozzle body 38. The fluid leavesthe cylindrical bore 48 by way of the radial bore 46 and passes throughthe orifices 60 of the orifice ribbon 58.

While liquid is passing through the nozzle assembly 18, themagnetostrictive device 34 is actuated to generate longitudinaloscillations in the conduit member 20 and the nozzle assembly 18securely connected thereto.

In this manner the orifice ribbon 58 is oscillated normal to the flow ofliquid therethrough to induce the stream of fluid flowing through theorifices 60 to contract into fine uniformly sized droplets.

When it is desired to service or clean the nozzle assembly, the wingbolt 54 is simply withdrawn and the annular ring 48 removed from thenozzle assembly. Accordingly, the individual performing the cleaningoperation may easily isolate his hands from contact with toxic liquidswhich may have been dispensed through the atomizing nozzle. Moreover,since the wing bolt 54 is diametrically opposite the radial bore 46, itis unlikely that the wing bolt 54 will have any toxic material thereon.With the annular ring 48 and orifice plate 54 removed, suitable cleaningfluid may be passed through the conduit member 20 to cleanse theinternal surfaces thereof.

Should the apertures of orifice ribbon 58 become clogged at any timeduring the operation of the atomizing nozzle, either of the alternativeembodiments depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7 further facilitate servicing byallowing a clean orifice zone of the orifice ribbon to be advanced intoalignment with the radial bore and the radial opening.

While the-nozzle above has been described in connection with thedipersal of liquid biological control agents, it should be noted thatthis invention is not limited to such an application. For example, itshould be readily apparent that such a nozzle would be very effective inspray painting operations, chemical processes, etc.

SUMMARY OF MAJOR ADVANTAGES In describing, in the foregoing, anatomizing method and apparatus according to preferred embodiments of theinvention several advantages have been specifically and inherentlydisclosed. Nonetheless, a brief summary of major advantages at thispoint may be both useful and appropriate.

A principle advantage of the invention resides in the provision of theatomizing nozzle assembly which admits to facile servicing and/orcleaning in an on the job/ in the field environment. Moreover, and in asimilar.

manner, the subject atomizing nozzle assembly permits rapid changes innozzle aperture sizes and/or flow patterns.

A related significant advantage is the ability to service, clean and/orchange the subject atomizing apparatus without subjecting an operator tocontamination by a liquid being atomized.

Further, it has been determined that external excitation of the nozzleassembly perpendicular to the flow of liquid through the ribbon orificeapertures enhances uniform droplet formation.

Additionally, external excitation of the nozzle assembly has been foundto produce the desired results while minimizing sealing and flowdifficulties. Moreover, in some instances, excitation of a spray boom,as opposed to individual nozzle assemblies has produced acceptableresults with a reduction in total power input.

A still further significant advantage is the provision of an atomizingnozzle assembly which utilizes a thin sheet, flexible orifice ribbonwhich is relatively inexpensive to fabricate yet exhibit rugged wearcharacteristics.

In describing the invention, reference has been made to preferredembodiments. Those skilled in the art, however, and familiar with thedisclosure of the invention may recognize additions, deletions,substitutions, or other modifications which would fall within thepurview of the invention as defined in the claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A method for atomizing a liquid into uniformly sized dropletscomprising the steps of:

fitting a thin, normally flat, flexible orifice ribbon means, having aplurality of apertures fashioned therethrough, across a radial aperturefashioned into a conduit adjacent a closed end thereof with the otherend of the conduit being in communication with a source of liquid;fitting a ring having a diameter greater than the diameter of theconduit around the closed end of the conduit;

operably aligning a radial port fashioned through the ring with theradial aperture extending into the conduit;

releasably securing the ring to the conduit wherein the centrallongitudinal axis of the ring is offset with respect to the centrallongitudinal axis of the conduit such that edge portions of the orificeribbon are secured between the exterior surface of the I conduit and theinterior surface of the ring;

pressurizing the liquid within the conduit for issuing streams of liquidthrough the apertures within the flexible orifice ribbon; and

vibrating the exterior surface of the conduit to impart vibrations tothe streams of fluid exiting from the flexible orifice ribbon to breakthe streams into uniform sized droplets downstream with respect to theflexible orifice ribbon.

2. The method for atomizing a liquid into uniformly sized droplets asdefined in claim 1 wherein:

said thin, normally flat, flexible orifice ribbon is fashioned with aplurality of longitudinally spaced orifice zones, and further in theevent an operative orifice zone becomes clogged, said method comprisesthe steps of:

releasing the ring means from securely connecting the orifice ribbon tothe exterior surface of the conduit means,

longitudinally advancing the ribbon such that a new set of orifices arebrought into operative registry with the radial aperture extendingthrough the conduit means and,

resecuring the ring to the conduit whereby the 'orifice ribbon is againsecured between the exterior surface of the conduit and the interiorsurface of the ring.

3. The method for atomizing a liquid into uniformly sized droplets asdefined in claim 1 wherein said step of vibrating comprises:

magnetostrictively vibrating the conduit along an axis parallel to thecentral longitudinal axis of the conduit and perpendicular to the axesof the apertures fashioned within the flexible orifice ribbon.

4. A method for atomizing a biological control agent into uniformlysized liquid droplets from a distributing conduit having a longitudinalaxis and being operably connected to a source of pressurized liquidbiological control agent and a plurality of branch conduits normallytapped at regular intervals into the distributing conduit, wherein saidmethod comprises the steps of:

fitting a nozzle head to a distal end of each of said branch conduitshaving a blind bore and a radial aperture intersecting the blind bore;

providing a thin, flexible orifice ribbon having a plurality ofapertures fashioned therethrough over the radial aperture of each ofsaid noule heads; fitting an annular ring having a radial port thereinaround each of the nozzle heads; aligning the radial port in eachannular ring with the radial port in each corresponding nozzle head;

securing each annular ring against the exterior surface of each nozzlehead wherein the orifice ribbon member is secured at the edges thereofbetween the exterior surface of the nozzle head and the interior surfaceof the annular ring;

securely connecting at least one magnetostrictive vibratory means to oneof the distributing conduit or the plurality of branch conduits; and

utilizing the magnetostrictive vibratory means inducing high frequencyoscillation generally normal to the flow of liquid through the apertureswithin the orifice ribbon to divide liquid streams of biological controlagents passing through the apertures into generally uniform dropletsizes.

5. A method for atomizing a biological control agent into uniformdroplets as defined in claim 4 wherein:

10 comprises a plurality of magnetostrictive vibratory units, one unitbeing fixedly connected to each of said plurality of branch conduitswith a central longitudinal axis thereof lying parallel to a centrallonl5 gitudinal axis of a corresponding branch conduit.

7. A nozzle apparatus for atomizing a liquid into uniformly sizeddroplets comprising:

conduit means having one end-closed and the other end thereof incommunication with a fluid under pressure, said conduit means having agenerally unobstructed interior bore and a radial aperture extendingthrough a wall of said conduit means in a postion adjacent said closedend thereof;

vibratory meansrigidly connected to an exterior surface of said conduitmeans for imparting high frequency oscillations to said conduit means;ring means connected to said conduit means generally adjacent saidclosed end of said conduit means, said ring means having a diametergreater than the diameter of said conduit means, said ring means furtherbeing fashioned with a radial port operably alignable and dimensionallycompatible with said radial aperture in said conduit means; thin,normally flat, flexible, orifice ribbon means having a plurality ofapertures fashioned therethrough, said orifice ribbon being releasablyintercalated between the exterior surface of said conduit means and theinterior surface of said ring means in a posture extending across saidradial aperture in said conduit means and said radial port in said ringsmeans; and attachment means connected to said ring means for releasablysecuring said ring means to said conduit means wherein the centrallongitudinal axis of said ring means is offset with respect to thecentral longitudinal axis of said conduit means such that edge portionsof said ribbon means are secured between the interior surface of saidring means and the exterior surface of said conduit means with saidribbon means flexing into an arcuate configuration compatible with theexterior surface of said conduit means, wherein oscillations of saidvibratory means are imparted through said conduit means to said orificeribbon which interacts with liquid flowing through said apertures tosubdivide the liquid into fine, uniformly sized droplets downstream ofsaid apertures. 8. The nozzle apparatus for atomizing a liquid intouniformly sized droplets as defined in claim 7 wherein:

said orifice ribbon includes a plurality of orifice zones, said zonesbeing spaced upon said ribbon such that only one orifice zone isalignable with said radial aperture in said conduit means at any onetime.

9. The nozzle apparatus for atomizin g liquid into uniformly sizeddroplets as defined in claim 8 and further comprising:

advancement means for selectively advancing said orifice ribbon toposition a sequential orifice zone over said radial aperture of saidconduit means.

10. The nozzle apparatus for atomizing liquid into 13. A nozzleapparatus for atomizing a liquid biological control agent into uniformlysized droplets comprising:

a distributing conduit having a longitudinal axis and uniformly sizeddroplets as defined in claim 7 wherein: b i bl connected to a Source fpressursaid attachment means comprises a threaded fastener iz d i id;

Camed y 531d "8 means a Posture generally a plurality of branch conduitsnormally tapped at reg- Tadlally extendmg Wlth pf thsreto l bemg ularintervals into said distributing conduit; opfirable to F exteflorsufface of q a plurality of nozzle assembly means, one being con- 3?? ma Posmon dlamemcally PP to ID nected to the distal end of each of saidbranch conra aperture duits and including:

The {102116 apparatus for aufmlzlrfg liquid a nozzle head having a blindbore and a radial aper- UII gOY IIbIlyt SIZC droplets as defined inclaim 7 wherein ture extending generally perpendicularly with H} Sal mlon means compnses: s ect to the central lon itudinal axis of anassocian elongate magnetostrictive means mounted upon z branch conduitsg said conduit means in a posture wherein a central an annular ringhaving a radial port aligned t longitudinal axis of saidmagnetostrictive means Said radial aperture and being eccentricany liesparallel with respect to a central longitudinal mounted upon Said nozzlehead and axis of said conduit means and perpendicular with an Orificeribbon having a plurality of apertures g gifiggg of Sald aperture m Saidonfice clamped between said radial aperture of said l rt l 12. A nozzleapparatus for atomizing a liquid blOlOglgg z zf and Said radla p0 ofSald annu ar fs agent mto uniformly Slzed droplets compns' at least onevibratory means connected to one of said an elongated hollow conduithaving one end thereof 5 dlsmblmng .condlilt i Said plurahty b q incommunication with a liquid biological control cqndmts for mducmg highfr.eql.1ency Osclnanons. m agent under pressure, said apparatus to breakllqUlCl streams flowing a mounting bracket connected to said conduit;through Sald apertures generally umform a magnetostrictive devicecarried by said mounting f g dolwnstream offsald fi f d bracket andbeing operable to impart high fre- 6 apparatus f atomlzlng a lqul quencylongitudinal oscillations to said conduit; loglcal f l agent SZeddroPlets as a nozzle head having a central longitudinal bore, saiddefined m 3 13 whaem sand at least one Vibratory bore being closed atone end and the other end means compnsiisi thereof connected to theother end of said elona magnetostnctl"? vlbratory l f l mounted gate,hollow conduit, a radial aperture normally in- P9 1 the extgnor surfac?of 531d dlstrlbutmg F tersecting said longitudinal bore generally at thel a P Y f the longlmc'lmal 3X15 of closed end of said nozzle head suchthat said radial Sald magnetosmcftlve vlbratqry meaI 1$ 1S P f l t0aperture is in fluid communication with the liquid the cefltrallongltudmal was of Sald dlsmbutmg biological control agent underpressure; Condulta ring having a radial port therein aligned with said 0The nozzle apparatus Q atomlzfng a hquld radial aperture of said nozzlehead and being ecloglc'al f l agent lntoumformly SlZed droPlfits ascentricany di d externally about id nozzle defined in cla m 13 whereinsaid at least one vibratory h d; means comprises:

a thin, normally flat, flexible, orifice ribbon means a p u a y of g t sg vibratory n pe having a length substantially exceeding its width 4 ofsaid magnetostrictive vibratory means being rigand a plurality ofapertures fashioned therethrough 1dl y mounted upon the exterior surfaceof each of said orifice ribbon means being intercalated be- Saldplurality of branch conduits m a posture tween said radial port of saidannular ring and the whereln the longitudinal axis of saidmagnetostricexterior surface of said nozzle head; and tive vibratorymeans is parallel to the central longiattachment means carried by saidannular ring for se- 5 tudinal axis of a corresponding one of saidbranch curing said annular ring in engagement with said conduits. nozzlehead.

1. A method for atomizing a liquid into uniformly sized dropletscomprising the steps of: fitting a thin, normally flat, flexible orificeribbon means, having a plurality of apertures fashioned therethrough,across a radial aperture fashioned into a conduit adjacent a closed endthereof with the other end of the conduit being in communication with asource of liquid; fitting a ring having a diameter greater than thediameter of the conduit around the closed end of the conduit; operablyaligning a radial port fashioned through the ring with the radialaperture extending into the conduit; releasably securing the ring to theconduit wherein the central longitudinal axis of the ring is offset withrespect to the central longitudinal axis of the conduit such that edgeportions of the orifice ribbon are secured between the exterior surfaceof the cOnduit and the interior surface of the ring; pressurizing theliquid within the conduit for issuing streams of liquid through theapertures within the flexible orifice ribbon; and vibrating the exteriorsurface of the conduit to impart vibrations to the streams of fluidexiting from the flexible orifice ribbon to break the streams intouniform sized droplets downstream with respect to the flexible orificeribbon.
 2. The method for atomizing a liquid into uniformly sizeddroplets as defined in claim 1 wherein: said thin, normally flat,flexible orifice ribbon is fashioned with a plurality of longitudinallyspaced orifice zones, and further in the event an operative orifice zonebecomes clogged, said method comprises the steps of: releasing the ringmeans from securely connecting the orifice ribbon to the exteriorsurface of the conduit means, longitudinally advancing the ribbon suchthat a new set of orifices are brought into operative registry with theradial aperture extending through the conduit means and, resecuring thering to the conduit whereby the orifice ribbon is again secured betweenthe exterior surface of the conduit and the interior surface of thering.
 3. The method for atomizing a liquid into uniformly sized dropletsas defined in claim 1 wherein said step of vibrating comprises:magnetostrictively vibrating the conduit along an axis parallel to thecentral longitudinal axis of the conduit and perpendicular to the axesof the apertures fashioned within the flexible orifice ribbon.
 4. Amethod for atomizing a biological control agent into uniformly sizedliquid droplets from a distributing conduit having a longitudinal axisand being operably connected to a source of pressurized liquidbiological control agent and a plurality of branch conduits normallytapped at regular intervals into the distributing conduit, wherein saidmethod comprises the steps of: fitting a nozzle head to a distal end ofeach of said branch conduits having a blind bore and a radial apertureintersecting the blind bore; providing a thin, flexible orifice ribbonhaving a plurality of apertures fashioned therethrough over the radialaperture of each of said nozzle heads; fitting an annular ring having aradial port therein around each of the nozzle heads; aligning the radialport in each annular ring with the radial port in each correspondingnozzle head; securing each annular ring against the exterior surface ofeach nozzle head wherein the orifice ribbon member is secured at theedges thereof between the exterior surface of the nozzle head and theinterior surface of the annular ring; securely connecting at least onemagnetostrictive vibratory means to one of the distributing conduit orthe plurality of branch conduits; and utilizing the magnetostrictivevibratory means inducing high frequency oscillation generally normal tothe flow of liquid through the apertures within the orifice ribbon todivide liquid streams of biological control agents passing through theapertures into generally uniform droplet sizes.
 5. A method foratomizing a biological control agent into uniform droplets as defined inclaim 4 wherein: said at least one magnetostrictive vibratory means isfixedly connected to the exterior surface of the distributing conduitwherein a central longitudinal axis of the magnetostrictive vibratorymeans lies parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the distributingconduit.
 6. A method for atomizing a biological control agent intouniform droplets as defined in claim 4 wherein: said at least onemagnetostrictive vibratory means comprises a plurality ofmagnetostrictive vibratory units, one unit being fixedly connected toeach of said plurality of branch conduits with a central longitudinalaxis thereof lying parallel to a central longitudinal axis of acorresponding branch conduit.
 7. A nozzle apparatus for atomizing aliquid into uniformly sized droplets comprising: conduit means havingone end closed and the other end thereof in communication with a fluidunder pressure, said conduit means having a generally unobstructedinterior bore and a radial aperture extending through a wall of saidconduit means in a postion adjacent said closed end thereof; vibratorymeans rigidly connected to an exterior surface of said conduit means forimparting high frequency oscillations to said conduit means; ring meansconnected to said conduit means generally adjacent said closed end ofsaid conduit means, said ring means having a diameter greater than thediameter of said conduit means, said ring means further being fashionedwith a radial port operably alignable and dimensionally compatible withsaid radial aperture in said conduit means; a thin, normally flat,flexible, orifice ribbon means having a plurality of apertures fashionedtherethrough, said orifice ribbon being releasably intercalated betweenthe exterior surface of said conduit means and the interior surface ofsaid ring means in a posture extending across said radial aperture insaid conduit means and said radial port in said rings means; andattachment means connected to said ring means for releasably securingsaid ring means to said conduit means wherein the central longitudinalaxis of said ring means is offset with respect to the centrallongitudinal axis of said conduit means such that edge portions of saidribbon means are secured between the interior surface of said ring meansand the exterior surface of said conduit means with said ribbon meansflexing into an arcuate configuration compatible with the exteriorsurface of said conduit means, wherein oscillations of said vibratorymeans are imparted through said conduit means to said orifice ribbonwhich interacts with liquid flowing through said apertures to subdividethe liquid into fine, uniformly sized droplets downstream of saidapertures.
 8. The nozzle apparatus for atomizing a liquid into uniformlysized droplets as defined in claim 7 wherein: said orifice ribbonincludes a plurality of orifice zones, said zones being spaced upon saidribbon such that only one orifice zone is alignable with said radialaperture in said conduit means at any one time.
 9. The nozzle apparatusfor atomizing liquid into uniformly sized droplets as defined in claim 8and further comprising: advancement means for selectively advancing saidorifice ribbon to position a sequential orifice zone over said radialaperture of said conduit means.
 10. The nozzle apparatus for atomizingliquid into uniformly sized droplets as defined in claim 7 wherein: saidattachment means comprises a threaded fastener carried by said ringmeans in a posture generally radially extending with respect thereto andbeing operable to engage the exterior surface of said conduit means in aposition diametrically opposite to said radial aperture.
 11. The nozzleapparatus for atomizing liquid into uniformly size droplets as definedin claim 7 wherein said vibration means comprises: an elongatemagnetostrictive means mounted upon said conduit means in a posturewherein a central longitudinal axis of said magnetostrictive means liesparallel with respect to a central longitudinal axis of said conduitmeans and perpendicular with respect to axes of said aperture in saidorifice ribbon means.
 12. A nozzle apparatus for atomizing a liquidbiological control agent into uniformly sized droplets comprising: anelongated hollow conduit having one end thereof in communication with aliquid biological control agent under pressure; a mounting bracketconnected to said conduit; a magnetostrictive device carried by saidmounting bracket and being operable to impart high frequencylongitudinal oscillations to said conduit; a nozzle head having acentral longitudinal bore, said bore being closed at one end and theother end thereof connected to the other end of said elongate, hollowconduit, a radial aperture normally Intersecting said longitudinal boregenerally at the closed end of said nozzle head such that said radialaperture is in fluid communication with the liquid biological controlagent under pressure; a ring having a radial port therein aligned withsaid radial aperture of said nozzle head and being eccentricallydisposed externally about said nozzle head; a thin, normally flat,flexible, orifice ribbon means having a length substantially exceedingits width and a plurality of apertures fashioned therethrough saidorifice ribbon means being intercalated between said radial port of saidannular ring and the exterior surface of said nozzle head; andattachment means carried by said annular ring for securing said annularring in engagement with said nozzle head.
 13. A nozzle apparatus foratomizing a liquid biological control agent into uniformly sizeddroplets comprising: a distributing conduit having a longitudinal axisand being operably connected to a source of pressurized liquid; aplurality of branch conduits normally tapped at regular intervals intosaid distributing conduit; a plurality of nozzle assembly means, onebeing connected to the distal end of each of said branch conduits andincluding: a nozzle head having a blind bore and a radial apertureextending generally perpendicularly with respect to the centrallongitudinal axis of an associated branch conduits, an annular ringhaving a radial port aligned with said radial aperture and beingeccentrically mounted upon said nozzle head, and an orifice ribbonhaving a plurality of apertures clamped between said radial aperture ofsaid nozzle head and said radial port of said annular ring; and at leastone vibratory means connected to one of said distributing conduit andsaid plurality of branch conduits for inducing high frequencyoscillations in said apparatus to break liquid streams flowing throughsaid apertures into fine, generally uniform droplets downstream of saidorifice ribbon.
 14. The nozzle apparatus for atomizing a liquidbiological control agent into uniformly sized droplets as defined inclaim 13 wherein said at least one vibratory means comprises: amagnetostrictive vibratory means rigidly mounted upon the exteriorsurface of said distributing conduit in a posture wherein thelongitudinal axis of said magnetostrictive vibratory means is parallelto the central longitudinal axis of said distributing conduit.
 15. Thenozzle apparatus for atomizing a liquid biological control agent intouniformly sized droplets as defined in claim 13 wherein said at leastone vibratory means comprises: a plurality of magnetostrictive vibratorymeans, one of said magnetostrictive vibratory means being rigidlymounted upon the exterior surface of each of said plurality of branchconduits in a posture wherein the longitudinal axis of saidmagnetostrictive vibratory means is parallel to the central longitudinalaxis of a corresponding one of said branch conduits.